The interim tax bill is an estimate to raise approximately 50% of your previous year's property taxes. When the current year's budget for the City of Stratford has been approved and the Province of Ontario provides us with an education tax rate, the final tax bills are issued. The amount of the interim bill is deducted from your final tax bill.
The Government of Ontario has made a number of changes to the property assessment system. These changes include the introduction of a four-year assessment update and a phase-in of assessment increases. The phase-in program does not apply to decreases in assessed value; the full amount of a decrease will be applied to the current tax year.
Please review your Assessment Notice carefully to make sure the information is correct. A number of changes have been made to the Request for Reconsideration (RFR) and Appeal processes. Please contact the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) with any questions or questions. The RFR process will be reviewed free of charge. The deadline to file a Request For Reconsideration (RfR) with MPAC is included on your notice. MPAC can be reached at 1-866-296-6722 and RFR forms are available by visiting the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation's website.
2020 Due Dates
Interim Due Dates:
- Friday February 21, 2020 and
- Thursday April 9, 2020
Final Due Dates:
Commercial, Industrial and Multi-Residential Properties
Vacant Units - Bill 140 has also changed the taxation policies for vacant space within commercial and industrial properties. Commencing with 2001 all buildings are assessed and taxed as fully occupied. Property owners must apply to the municipality for vacant space rebates by February 28th of the year following the vacancy.
Application forms for Rebate of Property Taxes for Vacancies in Commercial & Industrial Buildings are available here and at City Hall. Complete the form and return to City Hall Tax Department, or submit by fax to 519-271-4357, or by email to our Tax Department.
All taxes billed must be paid in full to avoid penalties.
Vacant Unit Rebates and Vacant/Excess Land Tax Reduction
Beginning in 2019, the Vacant Unit Rebate Program will be phased out. In 2019 a property owner may apply to receive 15% (commercial properties) and 15% (industrial properties) of total property taxes back from the municipality. A property owner can apply for a rebate once the property has been vacant for 90 days and collect the rebate as long as it remains vacant.
In 2020 and onward the program will be eliminated. This rebate is paid for as part of the overall tax levy.
The Vacant/Excess Land Tax Reduction Program has been eliminated in the commercial and industrial tax classes commencing January 1, 2020.
Penalty Interest
All unpaid taxes will be charged a penalty on the first day of default at a rate of 1.25%. A further 1.25% will be added on the first day of each calendar month in which the default continues.
City staff do not have the authority to waive or alter a penalty and/or interest charge for any reason.
Failure to receive a tax bill does not excuse a taxpayer from responsibility for payment of the taxes nor relieve liability for penalty due to late payment.
Cancellations / Reductions / Refunds
Requests for cancellations, reductions and refunds are handled on an individual basis. Based on the detail required for this process, please contact the City Tax Department directly at 519-271-0250 ext. 213, or by email our Tax Department.